CARBOHYDRATES

Link: http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?year=2007&program=carbo

June 17-22, 2007
Tilton School
Tilton, NH

Carbohydrates, particularly those found on cell surfaces, play critical biological roles. For example, glycoconjugates are involved in the development and differentiation of cells, cell adhesion and cell signaling, and cell-matrix interactions. It is also well documented that changes either in the structures of these glycans, or in the expression of carbohydrate-binding proteins, are associated with an ever-increasing number of diseases, include human genetic diseases such as muscular dystrophy or congenital disorders of glycosylation, viral and bacterial infections, parasite invasion and survival as well as metastasis and tumor progression. Recently published studies have demonstrated that glycoconjugates are also regulators of the immune system. The main goal of the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Carbohydrates is to bring together a diverse group of scientists who work in the broad area of glycoscience (carbohydrate chemistry, carbohydrate biochemistry, and glycobiology) to discuss recent progress and future challenges in the field. The meeting will have talks organized into six focus areas in nine sessions. Three full day symposia will anchor the meeting: 1.) synthetic carbohydrate chemistry, 2.) glycopharmaceuticals and 3.) structure/function studies of carbohydrate processing-enzymes. In addition, three half-day symposia will be held on: 1.) carbohydrate structure, 2.) conformational analysis/NMR spectroscopy and 3.) glycoengineering.

Just a general question for you. I remember vaguely from my studies in biochemistry that blood type is directly related to particular glycoproteins on red blood cells. If this is the case would this mean that people of a certain blood type could be predisposed to contracting some of these diseases? If I'm way off base let me know, just someone eager to learn.